Meet Kellar Wilson | Owner/ Operator Dagr & Nott

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kellar Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kellar, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew I always wanted to make knives. Every since I was a kid I had deep obsessions with knives and building things with my hands. The business was always a long term goal that showed up sooner than expected and took on life out of necessity. I always kept in mind: anything is possible with dedication, time and hard work that far exceeds what others are willing to do. The original plan was to build up my personal skills in knifemaking while working other jobs to self invest in my company.

I lost my day job March 13th , 2020. Covid desolated so many industries and the service and restaurant industry was heavy hit. That’s when it really started. Make or break, the time had come.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Dagr & Nott is an American Made Company. Dagr & Nott knives are made in house and purposefully built with care and attention to detail by a very small group of dedicated makers. I think its pretty special to hold something and know that there was a real person on the other end of that project putting in work and effort to make something you’re now holding. I am incredibly proud of the impact our knives have on our customers. Getting customer feedback is the best part of my day and never ceases to put a big goofy smile on my face. The amaze and excitement on the customers face when they hold their knife for the first time is elating.
I think its very important to do the right thing, put in the effort and make sure your customers know you care. If you take care of them they will take care of you.

This journey has not been easy. If I’m honest, its been the hardest thing I have every done without exception. Most people will not know the many struggles and enormous stress and pressure that comes with starting a business and working for yourself. The learning curve is immense and there is never a real end to “struggle.” Once you’ve accepted that, you move from problems stopping you and triggering crisis, it becomes routine. You move to a problem solver mindset and it becomes less defeating and more exhilarating.
Something I remind myself when I encounter problems and stressful moments is 1: You’re only really defeated when you stop getting back up and 2: You’re not the first person to encounter this problem. Many other people have gotten to this point and quit. Every time you make it past a problem you get stronger and the competition gets a little thinner. You’re going to solve this problem.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’re heading out to grab a coffee at Harbinger Coffee first thing, then its off to the mountains for the day. Maybe another afternoon coffee but we are absolutely finishing the day at Social for a drink.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe much so much to my Fiancé, my family and my friends. The massive support and mentorship from them has been a major factor to the company’s growth. From a business perspective, my father has been an incredible resource. He is a small business owner and established my work ethic when I was young. His example and advice has been incredibly impactful to my journey.

Website: Dagrandnott.co

Instagram: @dagr_and_nott

Other: Email: Kellar@dagrandnott.co Tik Tok: @dagr_and_nott